Bikes

Each year, Idaho athletes hit the trail for the Smoke and Fire 400. This is a 430 mile, 40,000 feet elevation gain gravel bike race through tough Gem State terrain. And this year, four athletes with the Challenged Athletes Foundation will be participating. 

The Boise Bicycle Project has a new friend in the Treasure Valley. The Nampa Bicycle Project is up and running and is now fully established as a 501(c)3 non-profit. 

The frustration that comes with sitting at a red light in an empty intersection is familiar to everyone on the road. But Idaho law allows bikers to treat red lights as stop signs. They can proceed through the intersection once it’s safe.

Earlier this summer, three dozen cyclists huddle together at a ranch between Ketchum and Mackay. They range from newcomers to pros, and they’ve come to Idaho from as far as Singapore, Hawaii and the Netherlands.  

Sultry weather didn’t stop throngs of cycling fans from lining the streets of downtown Boise for the Twilight Criterium this past weekend.

The project proposed by the Ada County Highway District, or ACHD, would connect two popular Boise landmarks — Camel’s Back Park and the Greenbelt. The bikeway would run between Heron Street and State Street.

The Plantation Island Bridge connects a bike path across the Boise River. It links the greenbelt in Garden City to the one in Boise. But two years ago, after heavy snowpack eroded it, the bridge began to wash away.

Bike share company Boise GreenBike has been a partner of Treefort Music Fest for the last few years. This year, the organization is offering free rides up to four hours during the entire event, which runs March 20-24.

Thousands of miles of Idaho hiking trails are in a state of disrepair. We speak with the Idaho Trails Association about restoring the accessibility of some of the trails.

In 1897, the U.S. Army wanted to see if bicycles might serve a practical purpose for soldiers. To test the mettle of both the bike and the rider, a trek was organized from Missoula to St. Louis. Lieutenant James Moss led a platoon of Buffalo Soldiers through the wilderness and today, Idaho filmmaker Eric Westrom captures the journey in the documentary Following the Lieutenant: Buffalo Soldiers of the Bicycle Corps.

Five different dockless bike share companies have set up shop in Dallas in the last year. In a matter of weeks, three shuttered and left town, leaving behind nearly 20,000 unused bicycles. We speak with a Dallas reporter who covered the rise and fall of Dallas' bike share industry and David Fotsch, director of Boise Green Bike about the lessons that can be learned from this.

The first Boise Goathead Fest wrapped up on Saturday and we get the recap from organizer Jimmy Hallyburton.

Boise bicyclists were disappointed to hear the "Tour de Fat" bike festival would not be returning this year, so area organizers put together their own festival. We speak with Jimmy Hallyburton, Executive Director of the Boise Bicycle Project, about the upcoming Goat Head Fest.

The Twilight Criterium returns to Boise for its 32nd year. The high-speed street race promises lots of tight pelaton action and events for the whole family. Lynn Hightower of the Downtown Boise Association joins Idaho Matters to talk about the day's events.

Idaho Commerce is teaming up with the state's manufacturers of outdoor recreational gear to take advantage of the state's rugged terrain and test consumer equipment. From backpacks to snowshoes, kayaks and camp stoves, Tested in Idaho "shines light on Idaho-based recreation technology companies who take their work to the field." We speak with a representative from Idaho Commerce and a participating manufacturer of climbing gear about the program.

The town of McCall, Idaho is looking to bolster its economy and facilitate responsible and sustainable growth models as residents pour into Idaho. We speak with Andrew Metzner of the West Central Mountains Economic Development Council and Steve Stuener of Cable One about using the region's outdoor attractions to encourage economic growth as well as preserving McCall's natural settings.

The Boise Bicycle Project is spending the month of May encouraging kids to get on their bikes and explore their communities. The project manages programs that provide bikes for low income Idahoans and teach bike maintainance to all. The BBP also organizes rides for all levels and looks for opportunities to combine biking with community outreach. We talk with the Boise Bicycle Project about their efforts this month.

Boise will again be a part of this year’s X-Games. Tickets for BMX biking and skateboarding qualifying rounds are now on sale.

American cities are showcasing their bike-friendliness in efforts to attract new businesses and healthy workforces and Boise is doing everything to stay ahead of the trend. Cynthia Gibson, executive director of the Idaho Walk/Bike Alliance and Dave Fotsch, director of Boise Green Bike (and BSPR community advisory board member) discuss ways in which Boise is improving its bike-ability.

In 2017, Boise's Greenbelt sustained massive damage as a result of a wet winter and subsequent flooding. So as spring settles in this time around, it's no wonder folks are recalling the events of last year.

We all know change can be hard. But when it comes to an annual bicycle festival slated for this Saturday in Boise, some programming changes could make or break the event.

The Army Corps of Engineers is seeking input from the public on a proposed new bike trail at Lucky Peak Dam and Lake.

The 15-mile mountain bike trail would start along the southern shore of Lucky Peak near Lydle Gulch and stretch to the area around Chimney Rock.

The Statesman reports the trail would be designated for multi-use and open to more than just mountain bikers. Horseback riders, hikers, birders and picnickers would all be welcome to utilize the proposed pathway.

A new online map is giving Boise bicyclists a break during a time when many of their preferred pathways are closed.

Bikers have faced challenges since much of the Boise Greenbelt closed down due to the flooded Boise River. Though the water is receding, many parts of the 25-mile pathway were damaged by extensive flooding and remain closed.

Finding alternate routes around the handy bike path has been tough, but the Ada County Highway District has a new online map to help.